statue of the Virgencita arrives on a truck
It is a joyful time to be in México, that is true all over the country. This last week of celebrations for the Virgen de Guadalupe culminated yesterday. The joy and the love that surrounds every manifestation of her seems to permeate the air. Here in Yucatan, the season is accompanied by the return of the best weather in the world. Our days are in the 90′sF and the nights in the 70′sF.
Theresa and I went to the church dedicated to her, San Cristóbal, on Friday. This is the 2nd year I’ve gone and I think it will be something I try and do every year. I love the chants and the smiles and the laughter and the devotion, the air is electric.
The picture at the left is a statue of the Virgen being taken out of the back of a truck to be carried into the church. Statues of her came from near and far, large like this one and small and carried on the backs of runners and bicyclists. They run and bike from all over the peninsula, they carry torches and wear team shirts with the name of their town.
They sing, they chant her name, they have cheers like for a sports team – give me an M, give me an A… Many of the women dress in the traditional huipil and there are babies in the blue mantle of Guadalupe and boys dressed as Juan Diego.
In the plaza of the church various groups sell food and desserts. There were some marvelous choices, we wandered around and looked at everything before deciding. Theresa had pozole and it was an enormous bowl with all the traditional accompaniments. I had sopes and a tamal from one group of nuns and then another tamal from another group. Then we both had pots of crema de coco with cinammon. It was delicious.
We had gotten there before it was really crowded so we got a table near the side entrance to the church. We could watch the steady stream of people entering the church and hear the singing from the mass. As it got more crowded, we walked out in front and watched the groups arriving with torches and bands and boy scouts holding ropes to keep them together.
I especially enjoyed the priest at the front door of the church. His smile was infectious and he was wearing a beautiful hand painted robe. He blessed everyone who entered, blessed the pictures and statues carried in and he seemed so joyous and happy. I tried several times to get a picture of his smile but I somehow missed it.
Here is a small slideshow of pictures, the link to the album is here.
last night we had dinner in a mexican restaurant and i said to my husband, “i wish we were in mexico right now.” three years ago we were in sayulita during the guadalupe celebrations. it was our first experience with the burning toros and towers. i danced almost every night-what fun!
how is raui? hope she has continued to improve.
teresa
Thanks! We went last year, but the day after – I so wanted to go, but it was 10:30pm by the time we finished with 2 other previous engagements. I even missed the BIG procession in my neighborhood. Next year I’m going for sure – Let’s make a date right now! you, me, and Theresa!; partners too, if they are so inclined.
D
Many years ago, celebrating our wedding anniversary on December 12th, we were in Mexico City witnessing the heart-in-your-throat procession of peasants, many crawing on their knees toward the Cathedral, doing pennance in their celebration of Lady of Guadalupe. The happy throng at the church in their native garb was worth the trip all by itself. Unforgettable fer shur.
Wow, this brings back such wonderful memories of going to this church last year with you and Mimi to watch the celebrations. thanks for sharing and we are looking forward to see you in a month or so.
Great post and pictures Jonna.
Dear Jonna,
This is an unusual request, I am sure, but Paul and I thought you might know if there is a company or companies in Cancun (or closer to where Kitty and Jamie live) that send out “baskets” or “gift packages” for the holidays.
We can do that here in the states, but no one we know of (in the US) services Mexico. Then it dawned on me that perhaps Cancun or Playa de Carmen (spelling?) might have companies that do this. I’ve tried the internet with no success, but hope you might have an email address/web site/ or phone number of a company that we can order something from and have them deliver it to the Hopcia Family. We usually send money, but thought this might be a nice surprise….. Now I am hoping Kitty doesn’t read the “comments” left on your blog…..
Happy holidays, and wishes that Mimi will soon be back!
Warm wishes from El Centro, CA
Kathleen and Paul Smith
I was running errands in Tulum on December 10 when a group of the Guadalupe runners went by with their trail vehicle…the cheers and smiles when they saw my tattoo made my whole month.
Kathleen, I’m so sorry, I hoped someone else would have an answer for you. I asked around and everyone I asked said they have only done it in the city they are in, it can be delivered but you pick it out and pay in person.
It’s good to hear from you and Paul anyway. Sorry I didn’t have a good answer for you.
Mimi is in Cat City and says it is very cold, I’ll bet it is not much warmer in El Centro.